Part 1 of our 3 part series on Horse Rugs
A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Rugs for Horses
When it comes to the different types of rugs for horses, there are rugs for all types of needs and weather conditions.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the different types of horse rugs, their features, and the benefits they offer.
That way, when it comes to choosing the right rugs for your horse, you’ll be fully informed and have a good idea of what type of horse rugs you need.
Turnout Rugs for Horses
Turnout, or paddock rugs as they’re more commonly called here in Australia, are one of the most common types of rugs. If you’re going to rug your horse, you’ll definitely need at least one in your rug collection.
What are turnout rugs or paddock rugs?
Paddock rugs are heavy-duty rugs designed for outdoor use. Their function is to provide protection against the elements, particularly in winter. They are typically waterproof or water-resistant, making them ideal for rainy or snowy condition.
What are the benefits of turnout rugs or paddock rugs?
Paddock rugs keep horses dry and warm, protecting them from rain, wind, and snow if you live in Tassie or the Victorian Alps. They’re also durable and are made from tough breathable fabrics like canvas or membrane-lined synthetic fabric.
Stable Rugs for Horses
Stable rugs are also popular, especially with owners whose horses are… well… stabled. They’re made from a range of nice warm fabrics but are not water proof, hence the name.
What are stable rugs?
Stable rugs are used indoors in the stable. They’re commonly made from either wool or polar fleece, but can be made from quilted fabric as well. They provide insulation and warmth, and are ideal for horses that either spend most of their time indoors, are clipped, or for added warmth under paddock rugs.
What are the benefits of stable rugs?
Stable rugs offer extra warmth during chilly nights or when horses are stabled for extended periods. They are a good (and cheaper) alternative to buying a second paddock rug in a heavier fill for colder weather. Simply use a stable rug underneath your normal paddock rug instead.
Fly Rugs for Horses – Also known as Fly Sheets Or ‘Cottons’
Fly rugs have many uses, and almost every horse owner has at least one, or two, floating around their tack room. They may go by the names ‘fly sheet’ or simply ‘cotton’.
What are fly rugs?
Fly rugs are designed to protect horses from bothersome flies and insects. They are generally made from lightweight, breathable, cotton canvas or a similar fabric. Many of the modern ones also have built-in UV protection.
What are the benefits of fly rugs?
Fly rugs for horses are almost a necessity in some parts of Australia where flies, midges, mosquitos, and other biting insects abound. They reduce the risk of bites, irritation, and potential diseases and are also used to protect coats from bleaching in the sun. Some brands of fly rugs come with longer drops than other types of rugs to help protect more of the horse’s legs.
Fly rugs / fly sheets / cottons are also available in what we call ‘show sets’. These are used to keep horses clean after being washed for a show. The set generally consists of a combo and a tail bag, and is usually made from colourful heavy duty cotton fabrics.
Additionally, many horse owners also use a cotton, or fly rug, underneath paddock rugs to help keep the heavier rug clean. The reason being that cottons are easy to throw in the washing machine…
Horse Cooler rugs
Horse Cooler rugs are common in stables where horses are exercised intensively i.e. racehorses, eventers, endurance etc.
What are horse cooler rugs?
Horse cooler rugs are used to help cool down horses after exercise or when they are sweaty. They are made from moisture-wicking fabrics that help regulate body temperature as the horse cools down.
What are the benefits of cooler rugs?
Cooler rugs help prevent chill and muscle stiffness by wicking away moisture and allowing horses to dry off and cool down gradually.
Paddock Sheets
Paddock sheets or unlined paddock rugs are ideal for conditions where your horse needs a bit of protection but it isn’t cold enough for a rug with fill.
What are paddock sheets?
Paddock sheets are essentially paddock rugs without fill. They’re made from the same types of unlined, lightweight canvas or membrane-lined synthetic fabric rugs, and are used to provide protection against light rain or wind. Being shower proof, they’re suitable for mild weather conditions or when horses need minimal coverage. Some of the more expensive brands may also be waterproof. These can be used over the top of stable rugs to provide similar protection to paddock rugs.
What are the benefits of paddock sheets?
Paddock sheets help protect the horse from light rain and wind. They are breathable and having no fill, are ideal for transitional weather or when horses just require light protection.
Key Takeaways about the Different Types of Rugs for Horses in Australia
In order to select the right type of rug for you horse, you need to understand the different types of rugs for horses available and what their uses are.
You don’t use heavy fill paddock rugs to keep flies off in summer, for example. Similarly, you can’t use a flysheet or stable rug as a paddock rug in the middle of winter.
